Metronic Gemini Freeview Receiver: Prolonging the life of DVD recorders with in-built analogue TV tuners

An immediate victim of the digital switchover could be the DVD recorders and VCRs with built-in analogue TV tuners, but you can at least ensure that they have a prolonged lifespan. You can do this by getting yourself an external Freeview receiver and hook it up to the recorder’s SCART option. However, it is easier said than done as most Freeview receivers only come equipped with a single tuner, thereby preventing you from the fascination option of recording one channel while watching another. Then, in such a situation the ideal solution is to a twin-tuner PVR. Nonetheless, there are people who are unwilling to do away with their existing recorder. In such a case the French company Metronic has a cheaper alternative- the Gemini twin-tuner receiver.

The unit is made up of two SCART outputs on the rear, one of which is to be connected to the TV while the other to your VCR or DVD recorder. The twin-tuner feature is only one aspect of the unit, and it basically operates just like a typical Freeview set-top box, such as the Sony RDR-HXD995. You will find the unit covered in a generous array of connections, especially when compared to Freeview receiver s standard. You get to have composite video, S-video and stereo audio outputs, as well as optical and coaxial digital audio outputs that come in handy in transferring stereo audio to your AV receiver.

Then, there is a seven-day EPG as well that allows you to browse through the channel and decide what you want to watch. There are numerous options to make your encounter a convenient one as you are provided with keys, timers, and the like to manipulate your preferences. While you surf, the EPG intuitively displays live TV in a box at the top so that you are constantly reminded of the various programmes, apart from allowing you the interesting option of previewing another channel.

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